On July 11th, the world celebrates World Population Day, shedding light on global population issues and its impact on the environment and society. It’s essential to recognize the opportunities and challenges presented by the unbelievable rate of population growth in some countries as well as the decreasing rate of humans in some.
Importance of the day:
The United Nations established World Population Day in 1989 to increase public awareness of population-related issues and their impact on the environment, human development, and general well-being. It paves the way for educating people on issues such as maternal health, gender equality, poverty, family planning, and human rights.
A peak to current population statistics:
As per reports, The current world population is 8,119,906,654 (8.1 Billion people). Whereas, according to the 2023 statistics, India is a country that tops the list of highest population in the world with a 1.428 billion number. China comes second in the race with 1.425 billion and then follows the United States with 339.9 millions.
Holy see has the lowest population in the world with only 518 people residing in the country. Tokelau is the second last in the list with a number of 1,893 and Niue, the last third with 1,935.
The overpopulation crisis:
Overpopulation is a serious problem that puts a strain on infrastructure and resources in many parts of the world. With populations surpassing a billion, nations like China, India, and Nigeria are experiencing environmental degradation, poverty, and overcrowding. The supply of food, water, and energy cannot keep up with the demand, which aggravates social inequality and continues to feed the poverty cycle.
Overpopulated domains also struggle to give their residents access to quality healthcare, education, and professional opportunities. Population growth is surpassing economic development, resulting in high rates of unemployment and broadening income gaps. In addition, overcrowding in urban areas leads to poor housing conditions, pollution, and traffic problems.
Let’s have a closer look at some major disadvantages due to overpopulation:
1) Environmental degradation: Pollution, biodiversity loss, and the depletion of natural resources are all possible outcomes of overcrowding and fast urbanization.
2) Economic harms: Overpopulation can lead to resource scarcity, increase poverty and decrease career opportunities.
3) Crimes: The issue of overpopulation can lead to an imbalance in society which can cause increasing crime.
Countries with overpopulation and their initiative to control it:
1) India
With the major population growth, the current birth rate of India is 16.750 births per 1000 people.
To control this population, the Indian government has launched many policies, Mission Parivar Suraksha and Family planning campaigns, being two of them.
Thirteen states have implemented Mission Parivar Vikas (MPV) with the objective of significantly expanding access to family planning and contraceptives and Family planning campaigns through media helps in promoting the message of ‘small family, happy family’.
2) Nigeria
Nigeria faces massive population issues with a current birth rate of 35.683 births per 1000 people.
To control this increasing population the government of Nigeria as well as their citizens have taken many initiatives including NGOs like ‘population explosion awareness initiative’.
This NGO established in 2020, promotes a small family agenda in Nigeria through various campaigns such as Population Talks with NYSC Members, Radio talks and including some campaigns.
Under population:
Contrarily, some nations are facing a lower population crisis caused by aging populations and dropping birth rates. Low fertility rates are causing a shrinking workforce and a declining tax base in nations like Germany, Italy, and Japan. These countries struggle to maintain economic growth and funding social welfare programs because there are fewer people of working age to care for the elderly.
Underpopulated nations have problems with weakening innovation, skill gaps, and labor shortages. The lack of availability of youthful, competent laborers hinders both productivity and worldwide competitiveness. Beside this, as a burden on the government percentage of the elderly population rises, healthcare and pension systems also rise, placing financial pressure on government and society at large.
Let’s have a closer look at some disadvantages of the lower population:
1) Labour shortage: Labor shortages caused by a lack of workers can make it challenging for companies to run effectively.
2) Economic productivity: low population can lead to the fall of economic productivity due to the aging workforce.
3) Depopulation of rural areas: Rural areas may become depopulated as a result of under population, which would raise social isolation and minimize economic opportunities.
Countries with an low population crisis and their initiative to increase it:
1) Japan
The current birth rate of Japan is 6.995 births per 1000 people.
Japan has taken initiatives like financial assistance to couples who have children, extension of childcare centres and some other related policies.
Japan is also introducing a dating app which will be launched by the end of 2024. This app has a main objective of boosting their birth rate and marriage number.
2) South Korea
Currently in 2024, South Korea has a birth rate of 6.743 per 1000 people.
South Korea has produced programs to promote births and has spent billions to increase its population.
The country has taken initiatives like easier public housing loans and childcare services.
Conclusion
The necessity of a balanced approach to population growth and development is highlighted by World Population Day. There are numerous challenges associated with underpopulation in certain countries, while overpopulation is a problem in others. Governments and international organizations must team up in order to overcome these problems through family planning, education, and sustainable development.
